The young people we work with at Intermission Youth and through our Youth Theatre come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Greater London area who are vulnerable, lacking in opportunity, at risk of offending or ex-offenders.

Our aim is to help them reach their potential and become the best versions of themselves. Intermission Youth Theatre helps them grow in confidence, to raise their aspirations, to enable them to apply to university, set up their own business, seek new job opportunities and grow out of crime.

Many graduates have gone on to become professional actors, performing with major national theatre companies including Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), as well as in TV, commercials and films.

A report, published in February 2018, concluded that Intermission Youth Theatre is effective in supporting young people who are ‘at risk’ and bringing about positive change in their lives.

Since 2008, of those who were ex-offenders, only one person has re-offended since joining IYT.

Here are some of their stories.